James Anderson has "made peace" with England omission

Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker, was left out of the squad for the ongoing red-ball tour of the West Indies

James Anderson says he has "made peace" with missing out on England's red-ball tour of the West Indies.

The 39-year-old, who is England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker with 640 dismissals, was left out of the 16-strong travelling party for the ongoing three-match series, along with fellow pace bowler Stuart Broad.

The decision raised many eyebrows but while Anderson has previously admitted to feeling "frustration and anger" at his omission, he is now fully focused on representing Lancashire in the LV= Insurance County Championship.

"When you're hearing how things are going and not being a part of this rebuild is a little bit tough, but I made peace with the decision weeks ago, it's completely out of my control," Anderson told BBC Radio 5 Live.

^{Anderson is now focusing on his county commitments with Lancashire [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]}

"What I can do now is just get myself ready for the county season and try and show people what I can do. I feel in a good place physically and mentally as well.

"I'm just looking forward to playing some cricket for Lancashire."

Anderson has made 86 first-class appearances for Lancashire, picking up 340 wickets at 21.63, and fittingly picked up his 1000th first-class wicket while representing the club against Kent at Emirates Old Trafford last season.

In his absence from the national side, fellow Lancashire pace bowler, Saqib Mahmood made his Test debut in Barbados, collecting match figures of 4 for 79.

"It will do wonders for him," Anderson said. "That's an amazing return on that pitch where we saw all other seam bowlers struggle.

"His chest will be out after that game. It would have been hard work for him on that pitch this week and Test cricket will only get easier as his career develops."

Related Topics

• James Anderson focusing on Lancashire after England omission